Externals I
Also known as the RefleXion XPC, the SB61G2R arrives in a larger box than one would expect.
It's a fair chunk larger than normal, suggesting that more than just an XPC is bundled in. In terms of basic specification, the RefleXion XPC (as I'll now refer to it. SB61G2R sounds so impersonal) is based on the proven Intel i865G chipset that includes integrated graphics from the Extreme Graphics 2 GPU. Shuttle refers to it as "the chip giant's most-powerful integrated graphics solution to date". That's actually true, but it's still extremely mediocre in comparison to both NVIDIA and ATI's onboard implementations of late. 800MHz FSB and Hyper-Threading support is naturally present, as is a Southbridge with RAID capability. We won't let the cat out of the bag by disclosing everything here. We'll reveal the features as we take a closer look at it in the flesh, so to speak.
The reason for its naming is quite clear now. The RefleXion features a mirrored front with a slight tint to it. Reflections appear to be smoked and darker than a natural mirror. It creates an excellent effect. At first glance, one cannot tell if it is really a reflection or just a stylish front. It's only obvious on closer inspection. It's the kind of feature that splits most people into two camps. You'll either love it or not quite understand the need for it here. Personally, after having seen more than 10 distinct XPCs in the flesh now, this has to be the best-looking small form-factor system to grace HEXUS labs.
A closer look at the lower portion reveals that the power and hard drive LEDs are hidden behind the facade. The semi-clear front allows each LED to shine through when in use. The intrinsic beauty of this approach is that you cannot tell what's behind the circles until you switch it on. The rather more boring ports allow for Line-In, Microphone-In and Headphone functions. 2x USB2.0 and a mini FireWire ports make up the right-hand side. We're still adamant that these could do with concealing. Some sort of cover that didn't spoil the front's aesthetic would have been preferable to the bare ports that stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.
The dark and brooding theme is continued with the DVD-ROM drive and card reader. Both of these 'extras' are supplied with the RefleXion XPC and fitted as standard. That's one of the biggest departures from the present lineup. We've demonstrated just what kind of style damage a beige drive can do in a chassis that's geared up towards a darker look. The model CR20 16x DVD-ROM drive, however, is available as an optional extra from Shuttle. It's little wonder, then, that Shuttle decides to include it here. The 6-in-1 card reader, too, is an optional extra and takes the usual place reserved for the floppy drive. Shuttle is slowly pushing the user away from the archaic format and gently nudging them into accepting these internally powered readers with some gusto. We've seen the likes of it before on the SN85G4 and ST61G4. The four inlets allow it to process Sony's Memory Stick, Compact Flash (Type I/II), IBM's Microdrive. SecureDigital, MultiMedia and SmartMedia cards. It's USB2.0 compliant and takes up one of the 8 USB2.0 ports on offer from the ICH5R Southbridge.
A different, refreshing front to an XPC.
You can just about see it from the first RefleXion picture, but here's a better shot. An XPC's hood comprises of a slip-on one-piece aluminium cover that can sometimes be a pain to put back on. The same is largely true here. The difference is in the use of a mesh insert. Not only does this provide a decent cooling outlet, it also allows the user to show off the components inside, most likely to be a decent graphics card. The same mesh insert is present on the other side.
